A coalition of fourteen nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, has issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's recent approval of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. The countries warn the move blatantly violates international law and threatens to fuel further instability in the region.
Unprecedented Expansion Draws International Ire
The joint statement, released by Britain on behalf of the group, calls on Israel to immediately reverse its decision. It criticises the settlement expansion as part of a wider, intensifying policy that undermines peace efforts. The approval last Sunday by Israel's security cabinet brings the total number of new settlements authorised in recent years to 69, a figure described as a new record by Israel's far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich.
The signatory nations, which also include Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain, stated unequivocally: "Such unilateral actions... not only violate international law but also risk fuelling instability." They expressed concern that the move harms prospects for a comprehensive plan for Gaza and long-term regional security.
Settlement Numbers Surge Under Current Government
The scale of the expansion is significant. According to the Israeli anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now, this latest approval increases the total number of settlements in the West Bank from 141 in 2022 to 210 today. This represents a near 50% increase during the tenure of the current Israeli government.
Two of the newly approved settlements, Sanur and another, were previously evacuated under Israel's 2005 disengagement plan. Recent activity, including the levelling of land by Israeli bulldozers at the Sanur site near Jenin on 23 December, underscores the physical implementation of these policies. All settlements in occupied territory are considered illegal under international law.
A Firm Reaffirmation of the Two-State Solution
In their condemnation, the fourteen nations reiterated their steadfast opposition to any form of annexation. They specifically referenced opposition to the E1 settlement plan and thousands of new housing units. The statement calls for Israel to align its actions with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which demands a halt to all settlement activity.
The coalition concluded with a resolute commitment to a negotiated peace. "We are resolute in our support of Palestinians' right of self-determination," the statement read, reaffirming an unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting two-state solution where Israel and a future Palestine live side by side in peace and security.
